So it is unrealistic to know what you are paying before you basically agree to buy with someone? I have an estimate right now for my exact layout from one place, but he doesn't seem to want to give me a quote for another line, other than it would be 20% more. Which is fine, I can do the math myself (about $8,600 for Medallion Gold), just as long as it really is close to 20%. The thing is, I know I don't want to keep things exactly as they are. I need mostly drawers rather than regular cabinet bases, which I know is more expensive. The current oven and microwave are also currently smaller than anything on the market, so I would need to make space for regular sized ones, either by extending the cooktop peninsula next to them or moving the refrigerator on the other side of them to the other wall. Either way, this is adding expenses that probably have not been accounted for in this bid. Sometimes he seems super easygoing and other times I feel like I am bothering him when I ask questions (which may be just different communication styles as well). I do understand his time is valuable, and I don't want to waste it, but he never asked for any kind of fee or retainer for work and I can't just sign on the dotted line when I don't know if there are thousands of dollars of changes needing to be made. I did call another place because they have Diamond Cabinetry, which I have also heard is a good midlevel brand, and since I was feeling a bit uncomfortable with how the interaction was going with the guy at the other place. They have been so friendly and patient every time I have had any interaction with them. They also came out and measured and are even going to do a couple different designs and go over them with me. When they gave me a ballpark though, it was 10-15k, which I don't think is unreasonable, just after hearing under 9k, 15k is tough, especially considering this reno was not planned and we have a lot of other expenses right now, so 6k does make a difference. That 9k might be a big illusion though, since I think he was basing it on what is in place currently, but I'm not sure because I have gotten to the point where I am worried I am asking him too many questions. For a big budget, a 2-5k difference might not really matter, but for us right now it does.

what counters/what floor? paint can be anything....are you getting new counters/floor? Pick those...or if they will be what you have now...do wait until the big painting job is completed as adjacent surfaces create the whole effect...and then pick your paint.

Sorry this comment is going outside of the original question you asked regarding what to put in that small corner. It is just that sometimes when we see a glaring issue, we feel bad not say something. I agree with others about the walk from fridge to sink being way too far. Looks to be over 16’. Also as mentioned you have a ”barrier island”. If my memeory is correct, the NKBA recommends no less then 4’ and no more then 9’ within the work triangle, or when going between your fridge, sink, and stove. Adding a prep sink on the island would help solve that issue. The bigger sink and DW under the window would become the separate clean-up zone. The prep zone would be on the island with cooking zone right behind you. I agree again, I would want more isle space there. 48” would be much better. The fridge isle is a major walk through. As mentioned, it is tighter then 3’10”. It should be measured between the fridge handles that stick out over to the countertop overhang, not cabinet to cabinet. I would want plenty space there as well to get into the fridge. Are you open to other layout suggestions? If so, it is helpful to post a drawing with a zoomed out view to include the rooms surrounding the kitchen. To get specifc layout help, you would also need a fully measured drawing of all the kitchen walls, windows, doors, etc.. Also, would it be possible to make certain changes, like moving a window or doorway? Here is the thread with all the info on how to ask for layout help, nkba guidelines, kitchen zones, and tons more. https://www.houzz.com/discussions/5972404/new-to-kitchens-read-me-first-2020-interim#comments As far as the small corner question, I like the idea of a separate drop zone for phone, keys, purse, and with junk drawer/bins as the photo above shows. Hopefully then those things won’t get plopped down on the island. That spot on the island would be great for unloading groceries to the fridge and pantry though. Especially if that is where you come in from the garage or parking area.

I have BM White Dove on most of my walls and my cabinets, trim, doors and ceilings are all BM Chantilly Lace. Ceiling in flat, trim in semi-gloss and walls in matte. What color do you have for trim/doors/crown?